Merlin to close Manly Sea Life Sanctuary after 50 years

After 50 years of operations, the Manly Sea Life Sanctuary is to close its doors.

Merlin Entertainments Group, which runs what was formerly known as Oceanworld Manly, has advised that the business is no longer viable in the ageing building where it is located.

Merlin Divisional Director - Australia & New Zealand Rob Smith told local newspaper The Manly Daily “as a building it’s not a viable investment to keep on running it as an aquarium.

“From 1965 to now, it has had lots of different additions, different elements added, which has overall impacted the lifespan of the building as an aquarium.”

The aquarium is home to more than 100 sharks and rays, 2000 fish, 19 penguins and 11 reptiles. There also 500 invertebrates, including octopuses, at the venue.

All these creatures are set to be safely relocated to other regional Sea Life aquariums operated by Merlin.

Smith advised that around 40 staff members employed at the attraction will be relocated to “other areas of our business.”

Smith said it had “not been an easy decision” to close the attraction, but it was relative to the cost required to maintain and upgrade.

The 1900 metre² beach side site of the aquarium is owned by the NSW Government’s Roads and Maritime Services, but it is unclear what its plans are for the venue.

The sanctuary originally opened in 1965, as Marineland and is made up of three exhibits: Penguin Cove, Shark Harbour and Underwater Sydney.

Images: The Manly Sea Life Sanctuary from Sydney Harbour (top) and sharks at the Sanctuary (below).

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